Frank Rijkaard
Perhaps in a similar situation to today's Messi understudies, Ajax and AC Milan legend Frank Rijkaard was in the shadow of countryman Marco van Basten. Despite winning six league titles, a European Cup and being recognised as the best defensive midfielder of his age, Rijkaard could only finish third for the Ballon d'Or in 1988 and 1989 - both years in which van Basten won the award.